Jetstar introduces new carry-on baggage fees and size-based rules from February 2027
Consensus Summary
Jetstar will introduce new carry-on baggage rules from February 2027, replacing its current 7 kilogram weight limit with a size-based model. Passengers will be allowed one free under-seat bag (measuring up to 40×30×20cm) and will need to pay for overhead baggage, with fees starting at $25 for domestic flights and up to $52 for international routes. The airline cites improved boarding efficiency and reduced stress at gates as reasons for the change, though critics argue it is another fee to increase revenue. Existing bookings before February 2, 2027, will retain current allowances. The policy aligns with practices at European low-cost carriers like Ryanair and EasyJet, and Jetstar’s CEO Stephanie Tully has framed it as providing more choice while keeping base fares low. The airline’s on-time departure performance remains a concern, with a 75 per cent score in June 2026, trailing competitors like Qantas and Virgin. Ancillary fees, including baggage and seat selection, already contribute significantly to Jetstar’s profitability, with domestic earnings of $462 million in 2025.
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Jetstar will charge passengers for overhead carry-on baggage starting February 2027
- Jetstar will allow one free under-seat bag (e.g., backpack, handbag, laptop bag) from February 2027
- Jetstar will remove the 7 kilogram carry-on weight limit from February 2027, replacing it with a size-based model
- Priority carry-on fees for overhead baggage will start at $25 per domestic one-way flight (e.g., Launceston to Sydney) and can go up to $52 for international flights (e.g., Cairns to Tokyo)
- Under-seat baggage allowance will be restricted to bags measuring 40×30×20cm from February 2027
- Overhead carry-on luggage will be restricted to bags measuring 56x36x23cm from February 2027
- Jetstar’s new policy will apply to flights departing after February 2, 2027; existing bookings before this date retain current allowances
- Jetstar’s checked baggage fees remain unchanged, with a maximum of 40kg per passenger
- Jetstar’s on-time departure score was 75 per cent in June 2026, compared to 80.8 per cent for Virgin and 87.8 per cent for Qantas
- Jetstar’s domestic network delivered underlying pre-tax earnings of $462 million in 2025 with a 16 per cent pre-tax margin
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- Jetstar will no longer weigh overhead carry-on bags but will restrict them to 56x36x23cm from February 2 next year
- Customers with existing bookings after February 2, 2027, will get priority carry-on at no cost
- The cost for international flights (e.g., Cairns to Tokyo) will be an additional $52 for overhead baggage
- Jetstar’s new policy is compared to European low-cost carriers like Ryanair and EasyJet, which also charge for overhead baggage
- Ryanair charges €12-€36 for overhead baggage if paid in advance, or €20-€60 if paid at the airport
- Jetstar’s CEO Stephanie Tully cited frustration from passengers and crew over weighing bags at the gate and struggling with overhead locker space
- Jetstar will no longer routinely use cabin baggage scales but will ask customers to keep carry-on bags to 10kg for safety
- Customers traveling with an infant will be allowed an extra under-seat bag for baby items at no cost
- Jetstar’s new model is described as a 'cash spinner' with ancillary fees generating close to a third of Ryanair’s €15.54 billion ($25.5 billion) revenue
- The EU recently mandated airlines to display air fares inclusive of carry-on luggage at the outset of the booking process
- Jetstar will halve the number of carry-on items allowed, reducing from two (one overhead, one under-seat) to one (only under-seat free)
- The single carry-on bag can weigh up to 10 kilograms, up from the current 7 kilogram limit
- Jetstar ranked as the nation’s lowest airline for on-time departures in June 2026 with a 75 per cent score
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- The ABC and Guardian state the new policy starts February 2027, but the SMH mentions February without specifying the year, while all sources agree on February 2, 2027 as the cutoff for existing bookings
- The ABC and Guardian specify overhead baggage will be restricted to 56x36x23cm, but the SMH does not mention this dimension
- The ABC and Guardian state the under-seat bag allowance is 40×30×20cm, but the SMH does not explicitly mention this dimension
- The Guardian mentions Jetstar will no longer routinely use cabin baggage scales but will ask customers to keep carry-on bags to 10kg, while the ABC and SMH do not mention this 10kg guideline
Source Articles
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